Preventing Snow Damage

For those of us who are starting to experience true winter luxuries such as freezing temperatures, snow and ice, preventing snow damage becomes crucial. Let’s look at the ways that snow can damage your car — and what you can do about it.

Preventative Winter MaintenanceThe most cost-effective and efficient way to prepare your vehicle for winter is to take it to your local dealership. There they can test your battery, check your wiper blades, and help ensure all of your fluids are where they need to be.

InstallWinter TiresOne of the most important things you can do to help prevent winter car damage is change into winter tires. These tires are specially formulated to stay flexible when temperatures hit 45°F and below. They also allow you to safety store your all-season or summer tires, saving them from necessary evils like road salt. You can find the ones right for your specific vehicle here at RightTurn.com.

How to Stop Rust on a CarSpeaking of, let’s talk about road salt damage. Yikes! Those of us here in the Midwest are all too familiar with the rust that it can produce. While many municipalities are using alternatives to de-icing the roads, salt remains the go-to solution. Washing your vehicle, including an undercarriage wash, as frequently as possible is probably the best preventative action you can take. Some experts also recommend waxing your vehicle and pre-treating your undercarriage before the first snowfall occurs. Whatever you do, don’t try to wipe it off yourself. Salt is abrasive, and you’ll risk scratching up your vehicle.

Stay Fuel FullDid you know that an empty tank can not only be dangerous (what if you get stuck in traffic?) during winter, but an empty tank can also freeze and crystallize, producing ice in your fuel lines. To help prevent this type of wintery damage, keep your tank at least half full at all times.

Don’t Leave Your Car Out in the ColdIf at all possible, try to store your vehicle in a garage. The key here is temperature. When it gets too cold, tires lose air pressure, fluids can thicken, and your battery can die. If a garage isn’t possible, make sure to at least drive it around a bit to keep everything in working order.